Butler man will face trial on 2 counts of homicide

May 14, 2013News Extra

TIONESTA, Forest County — The Butler man suspected of fatally stabbing his former fiancee and her new boyfriend will face trial on two counts each of homicide and aggravated assault.

That was the ruling of Forest County District Judge George F. Gregory today at the end of a preliminary hearing for 38-year-old Scott A. Black.

One of the victim’s daughter, the Forest County coroner and the state trooper leading the investigation testified at the 90-minute hearing.

Police allege that Black killed Marcelle I. Edwards, 42, and Donald L. Shay, 43, of Leechburg, Armstrong County, who had just moved in with Edwards at her mobile home near Tionesta.

Trooper Jason Wagner’s testimony revealed that Black had a number of minor injuries, including cuts and bruises, as well as apparent bloodstains on the thigh of his pants when he was arrested several hours after the crime occurred. Wagner also testified that a weapon was recovered inside the mobile home.

“It was a knife, a wood grain handle with two screws in it. It was a straight-blade knife,” Wagner said, adding “there was blood on the blade.”

He said the knife was collected into evidence and is being analyzed by investigators, as is Black’s clothing.